Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal
07-22-2008, 11:07 PM
AFC West
Will the Denver Broncos figure out how to stop the run?
The first step in that process has to be getting LB D.J. Williams back on the weak side. Williams moved inside last season, and though he led the team in tackles, they often came downfield and well past the line of scrimmage. Williams is a playmaker, not a player who takes on blocks. He needs his room to roam on the weak side. Another key will be getting former Seattle special-teams standout Niko Koutouvides acclimated to the starting lineup. His ability to take his game to the next level as the Broncos' middle linebacker will go a long way toward determining whether this team can improve one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.
Can the Kansas City Chiefs re-establish their dominance on the ground?
Despite having one of the most feared running backs in the game in Larry Johnson, the Chiefs finished dead last on the ground last season. Although Johnson did miss the last eight games of the season, he struggled when healthy behind a patchwork offensive line that couldn't open any holes. With the addition of first-round pick Branden Albert at tackle and a healthy Brian Waters at guard, this unit will not be dominant but should be better. Simply put, the offensive line will be the main focus of camp. A solid ground game, backed by a good defense, will make QB Brodie Croyle more successful.
What can the Oakland Raiders do to make QB JaMarcus Russell better?
The Raiders worked hard in the offseason to fill holes on both sides of the ball, but Russell has to play better to make it worthwhile. It's not as if Russell, who struggled late last season when he finally got his chance to play, is in a battle for the job. He is the quarterback. The question is whether he's up to the challenge to improve. Last season was tough to evaluate. Even though Russell throws a very good deep ball and owner Al Davis has coaches emphasize the vertical passing game, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp uses a West Coast system based more on ball control. That will mean using RBs out of the backfield as well as TE Zach Miller and WR Ronald Curry in the short to intermediate area. This means Russell will spend a lot of the preseason working on accuracy and throwing to spots.
Can the San Diego Chargers find a playmaker on the outside?
The Chargers have two of the top playmakers at their positions, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates, but the missing ingredient has been that guy on the outside to take pressure off those two superstars. Never was it more evident than last season when both superstars were out and the Chargers could not find anyone to make a play. The focus this preseason for the Chargers is QB Rivers' developing a rapport with his receivers and finding a No. 1 target. The likely candidates are veteran Chris Chambers and inconsistent Vincent Jackson, and look for Chambers to emerge as the go-to outside player for Rivers. Acquired in a midseason trade, Chambers knew the offense, but it took time to develop chemistry and timing with Rivers. They've had the offseason to build a rapport, and look for it to continue in the preseason and beyond.
Will the Denver Broncos figure out how to stop the run?
The first step in that process has to be getting LB D.J. Williams back on the weak side. Williams moved inside last season, and though he led the team in tackles, they often came downfield and well past the line of scrimmage. Williams is a playmaker, not a player who takes on blocks. He needs his room to roam on the weak side. Another key will be getting former Seattle special-teams standout Niko Koutouvides acclimated to the starting lineup. His ability to take his game to the next level as the Broncos' middle linebacker will go a long way toward determining whether this team can improve one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.
Can the Kansas City Chiefs re-establish their dominance on the ground?
Despite having one of the most feared running backs in the game in Larry Johnson, the Chiefs finished dead last on the ground last season. Although Johnson did miss the last eight games of the season, he struggled when healthy behind a patchwork offensive line that couldn't open any holes. With the addition of first-round pick Branden Albert at tackle and a healthy Brian Waters at guard, this unit will not be dominant but should be better. Simply put, the offensive line will be the main focus of camp. A solid ground game, backed by a good defense, will make QB Brodie Croyle more successful.
What can the Oakland Raiders do to make QB JaMarcus Russell better?
The Raiders worked hard in the offseason to fill holes on both sides of the ball, but Russell has to play better to make it worthwhile. It's not as if Russell, who struggled late last season when he finally got his chance to play, is in a battle for the job. He is the quarterback. The question is whether he's up to the challenge to improve. Last season was tough to evaluate. Even though Russell throws a very good deep ball and owner Al Davis has coaches emphasize the vertical passing game, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp uses a West Coast system based more on ball control. That will mean using RBs out of the backfield as well as TE Zach Miller and WR Ronald Curry in the short to intermediate area. This means Russell will spend a lot of the preseason working on accuracy and throwing to spots.
Can the San Diego Chargers find a playmaker on the outside?
The Chargers have two of the top playmakers at their positions, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates, but the missing ingredient has been that guy on the outside to take pressure off those two superstars. Never was it more evident than last season when both superstars were out and the Chargers could not find anyone to make a play. The focus this preseason for the Chargers is QB Rivers' developing a rapport with his receivers and finding a No. 1 target. The likely candidates are veteran Chris Chambers and inconsistent Vincent Jackson, and look for Chambers to emerge as the go-to outside player for Rivers. Acquired in a midseason trade, Chambers knew the offense, but it took time to develop chemistry and timing with Rivers. They've had the offseason to build a rapport, and look for it to continue in the preseason and beyond.